Planning Minister Michael Ferguson will intervene in Skylands decision

The Skylands proposal, which would see 2500 homes being built, was rejected by council this week. But now, the decision could be overridden with the planning minister stepping in. DETAILS >>

Skylands Development renders for a 2500-home mega-build proposed for Droughty Point – just 25 minutes from Hobart CBD. Picture: Skylands

The Clarence Council’s decision to knock back a major development, which would allow the build of 2500 new homes on the Droughty Point Peninsula, is expected to be overridden by the state government.

The Skylands proposal, which would be built over 40 years, includes six separate neighbourhoods, a variety of different housing options, commercial spaces and 70ha of public park space and habitat reserve.

The masterplan, which was recommended for approval, was rejected by the council on Monday, along with a request to extend the urban growth boundary.

Skylands Development renders for a 2500-home mega-build proposed for Droughty Point – just 25 minutes from Hobart CBD. Picture: Skylands

The decision seemingly spelled the end for the project; one of the developers said he would not pursue a “watered down plan”.

The Mercury now understands Planning Minister Michael Ferguson intends to intervene so the masterplan can instead be assessed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

It’s also understood Mr Ferguson will initiate a process to extend the urban growth boundary, which will unlock more area for housing.

Planning Minister Michael Ferguson in Hobart.

Master Builders Tasmania was one of the organisations which called for the state government to step in and the project proceeded.

“The Skylands Master Plan at Droughty Point is a perfect opportunity to build thousands of homes right on Hobart’s doorstep and take pressure off Hobart’s housing market,” Master Builder’s CEO Matthew Pollock said.

Master Builders CEO Matthew Pollock. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The project stacks up and even the planning experts at Clarence City Council recommended it be formally assessed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.”

“We need to build at least 3,100 [homes] per year on average for the next ten years if we are to keep pace with population growth … That’s not going to happen if we can’t get sensible developments at scale approved by local government.”

Property Council of Australia executive director Rebecca Ellston called for some planning responsibilities to be taken off council hands.

Rebecca Ellston from the Property Council. Picture Eddie Safarik.

“Following the decision by Clarence City Council this week, the Property Council believes it’s seriously time to consider implementing development assessment panels as a way to remove some of the planning decisions that are clearly beyond the capability of council,” Ms Ellston said

“Good planning reforms including the move to a statewide planning scheme are now clearly being undermined by these sorts of decisions.

“This week’s decision is yet another example of local government not capable of making decisions in line with its projected growth, and just one in a string of examples of a council voting against the expert and well considered advice of its planning officers.”